Obituary of Joe MacDonald

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of John Joseph MacDonald, peacefully, on the morning of February 15, 2023, in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax, after receiving comfort care for a brief time. He was 97 years old. Joe was born on January 18, 1926 in Brierly Brook, the eighth child of John A. MacDonald and Margaret Purcell.

He was predeceased by his nine brothers and sisters. Joe was first married to Phylis (Kelly) who predeceased him at a young age. He is survived by his second wife of 47 years, Kathleen (“Colin R” Macdonald); his son, Greg (Susan) of Cardiff, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was a real Maritimer at heart, growing up on a farm, attending a one-room school and graduating from St. Francis Xavier University in 1946, with a B.Sc. He then moved to Montreal, where he began his successful career in the oil refining industry. He retired nearly 40 years later, in an executive position at Petro-Canada. He remained in Montreal until moving back to Nova Scotia a year ago, residing at Parkland at the Gardens, a senior’s residence in Halifax.

Joe was a true gentleman who embodied the qualities of kindness, generosity and patience. He had a delightful sense of humour, that endeared him to everyone he met. He enjoyed tennis, golf and skiing, but his true passion became croquet. He pursued this activity in retirement, competing in tournaments across Canada and in the USA. He was also a devoted member of his residential community of Town of Mount Royal, serving as president of the TMR Country Club, establishing a croquet group and enthusiastically participating in volunteer activities. Joe loved to travel the world, exploring new cultures and making lifelong friends. He was a strong supporter of the Stratford Festival, which he attended every year. He served as president of the St F.X. Alumni association for several years. All his life, he remained a faithful supporter of his alma mater.

As per Joe’s wishes, he was cremated and there will be no visitation or funeral service. A  Committal Service will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, June 24, 2023 in St. Ninian Cemetery with a reception to follow from 2-4 pm in the Schwartz Building, St.F.X. Campus, Antigonish, where loved ones and friends can gather to share their fondest memories of him. His family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Parkland and the Neurosurgical team on 7.3 at QEII, for the exceptional care that he received in his final days. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Francis Xavier University or the charity of your choice in his name would be appreciated.